The Hindu 31.08.2012
Madurai Corporation to act tough on plastic usage
Madurai Corporation council on Thursday passed a
resolution banning sale and usage of plastic products below 40 microns
in the city with effect from September 1.
The
resolution also banned commercial establishments from giving plastic
carry bags above 40 microns to customers free of cost, in order to
discourage the usage.
The resolution, which was
unanimously passed without any discussion, said that plastic bags, cups
and water bottles that were littered on roads led to choking of drainage
channels and sewers, causing a health hazard as well.
“This
is part of our plan to implement the project of garbage-free city
2012,” Mr. Chellappa said. The officials are now empowered to prevent
sale and usage of plastic products.
The officials
would seize banned products sold in shops or used by individuals. The
violators would be imposed fine too. Any wholesale dealer found
violating the ban order would be imposed a fine of Rs. 500.
The fine amount for retail sellers is Rs. 200, and for users it is Rs. 100.Banning
free distribution of plastic carry bags below 40 microns, the
resolution said that the bags should only be sold. Smaller bags (12 by
14 inches) should be sold for Re. 1, medium-size bags (16 by 20 inches)
for Rs. 2 and bigger bags (22 by 30 inches) for Rs. 4.
